In Memoriam – Carla Simmons

Carla Jumonville 3rd Dan Aikikai, Senior Instructor of Hikari Dojo has been training in Aikido since 1992. After receiving the rank of Shodan under Pat Hendricks Shihan in 1998 at Aikido of San Leandro, she began assisting and teaching at the Pleasant Hill Adult Education Center, and also has taught classes through the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park Center. In 2002, Carla co-founded Hikari Dojo.

She has trained with many of Northern CA Senior Sensei’s including: Frank Doran Shihan, Robert Nadeau Shihan, and Pat Hendricks Shihan. Training at both Division I gasshukus, and the week long Aikido summer camp, she has worked on refining and broadening her understanding of the principles of Aikido. In 2005, Carla traveled to Japan on pilgrimage to pay homage to the Aiki Shrine and she was also uchi deshi to Hitohiro Saito Sensei at the Tanrenkan Dojo in Iwama, Japan.

Her teaching emphasizes the principle of blending with an opponent and transforming aggression into a harmonious outcome. Focusing on student development and growth in both the principles and techniques of Aikido, Carla’s aim is to empower students to integrate these teachings into a balanced lifestyle of family, friends, community, and the promotion of peace.

Carla passed away on April 3, 2012. Her presence is still very much part of our dojo and she continues to be missed every day.